Amber

On an editing roll lately and downloaded some new shiny photo editing apps to try too. Some of my favourites from today!

Then I subsequently forgot to write an analysis post on this (oops, it's still on my list!).

Going through my screencaps for The Running Man... Obviously, these are very, very different movies and to me, NCFOM is a masterful adaptation.

In truth, I don't feel that way about TRM (this is not intended as a dig at the movie or jumping on the "it sucks" bandwagon, just to clarify). I enjoyed the movie. There's some amazing world building and details (that kind of don't get the time and attention they deserve). I loved certain aspects of the story, especially Evan McCone being a narrative foil for Ben Richards. I wish certain things were given more screen time and room for exploration, but also get why they weren't.

BUT Evan is another really good example of powerful microexpressions. Little moments, however fleeting, that reveals what's going on beneath the surface. It's another analysis post to add to my list. There's genuinely these little moments where I think, Evan knows he's going to die. He knows it's over. He puts up a semi-convincing fight, but I don't think it's a real fight. A part of him wants to lose, and I feel there's other moments which showcase this too - there's this sort of suicidal chaos to his actions and demeanour as those final scenes progress.

There's several screencaps I've taken where I feel this part of him that wants it to be over is captured really well. The moments just before he dies, and immediately afterwards, are particularly telling: A glimmer of fear and challenge, followed by realisation, resignation and then...A look that I interpret as relief, even gratitude.

It's all up to interpretation of course, and that's the beauty of film for me - how we can all watch the same scene and characters, and take away something completely different from that experience.

But I was struck by how much depth and emotion was conveyed in such a short scene, and I think it's a really significant part of why I found myself drawn to Evan as a character, why he stood out so starkly to me.

This is a testament to Lee Pace, of course. His mannerisms, microexpressions and body language for each character I've seen him portray are just incredible. And I feel much the same way about Javier Bardem, hence my adoration for his portrayal of Anton. Just phenomenal, captivating actors who breathed new life into these characters.

Some pretty caps as a thank you for reading my ramble!

He's about to swat a fly and its name is Ben Richards.

Sent to the corner. :'[ I doubt "cute" was the vibe he was going for here, but I do find his angry expressions and pouts endearing. Yes, he's 6 ft 5, strong as hell, wields multiple weapons and could kill me in a heartbeat. Still cute.

Bonus:

I had time to take more screencaps of Evan McCone and edit them. I like how these ones turned out.

Because he's honestly a joy to edit. There are so many details, and his scars are beautiful.

(All three versions are very similar but with small differences that I felt highlighted different features, however subtly.)

Foundation's Cleon (XVII especially) is slowly sneaking in as well, just nudging his way through and trying to be front and centre.

I'm seeing a pattern here with my taste in fictional men. I just want to shove them all in a fanfic.

Have some lazy, pretty (pink!) pictures. (None of Cleon yet because if I start, I fear I won't stop.)